SILK-COMBED SLIVERFirst, the scraps are boiled (scoured). In a large vat filled with hot soapsuds at more than 90 degrees, the silk glue (sericin) is removed almost entirely. When this occurs, up to 40% of the weight is lost. What remains is a white-shimmering, fine and soft fibrous material, which is processed to spin-ready combed sliver by drying, beating, opening and combing.